In Queen Anne’s County, the age-old children’s fun of watching helium balloons float away has been illegal since August 2019. A new bill, sponsored by Sen. Clarence Lam (D-Howard and Baltimore counties) would make this activity illegal in all of Maryland and fine those who intentionally release a balloon $250. As with the Queen Anne’s legislations, this is a civil fine aimed to discourage pollution and raise awareness and not a criminal charge. Negligent and unintentional release of balloons is exempted to protect children from being affected.
The bill is co-sponsored by Sen. Mary Beth Carozza (R-Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester), Sen. Ronald Young (D-Frederick), and Sen. Stephen Hershey (R-Caroline, Cecil, Kent and Queen Anne’s). The Queen Anne’s County law, allows biodegradable balloons, but the Maryland legislation makes no distinction.
Lam and Carozza both released statements with the introduction of the bill. Lam said that the pollution from balloons affects farms, water, and wildlife, and he expects that Republicans may be in favor of the bill since they typically support farms and protecting rural lands, where balloon waste can be found. He said that the bill will be enforced by law enforcement at a state and local level and the Maryland Department of the Environment will also be tasked with enforcement. “What goes up must come down, and you won’t know where they will land,” Lam said in his statement.
In her statement, Carozza said she received concern from her constituents for birds and other wildlife that have been killed by mistaking balloons for food, along with the issue of balloon entanglements injuring to wildlife. “We even have local cases of our beloved Assateague ponies harmed by balloon releases,” Carozza said.
Releasing balloons has previously been a common part of various celebrations such as graduations, birthdays and weddings. This new legislation will push Marylanders to find a more environmentally-friendly means of celebration, since released balloons land in the wild and can clog waterways and ensnare animals.
Water pollution has become an increasing concern worldwide, especially when it comes to plastic. A 2016 report by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and the World Economic Forum, stated that, at the current rate of plastic pollution, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish by 2050. This prediction has led to bans on plastic bags, straws, and other single-use items, including mylar, latex and even biodegradable balloons in many areas.
Another scientific report published March 1, 2019 by Balloons Blow Inc. stated that balloons are the single deadliest form of marine plastic for seabirds. This study found, Birds that swallowed balloon fragments were 32 times more likely to die than birds that had only eaten hard plastics.
MCPS students interviewed were in support of the bill but had minor reservations. “I think that the balloon release law has good intentions to it, but $250 for the release of only one balloon feels like too much money because one balloon doesn’t cause that much damage,” Richard Montgomery sophomore Jack Conway said.
“I think this is a good idea, but I don’t like the execution. I think the fine should be a lot less; around fifty dollars. Also, there will probably be complications because there will be no way to prove that a release is on purpose,” Clarksburg sophomore Jude Miller said.
The bill will be considered during the next legislative session, which starts on Jan. 8. If the bill becomes a law it will go into effect on Oct. 1, 2020.
Article by J.P. King of Richard Montgomery High School
Graphic by Sophie Zheng of Cabin John Middle School